Original Artworks

(scroll down for fine art print care)

All of my original artworks are made using acrylic and acrylic mediums predominantly on canvas, and occasionally on wooden panel. The canvas or wooden board/panel normally has one or more preparation layers applied to its surface before any acrylic or medium is then applied. After the painting has been completed and signed, final layers of varnish are applied to protect the painting from the accumulation of dust and dirt.

Don’ts

Do not allow any rigid object to press against the front or back surface of the stretched canvas as this could create permanent indentation damage. When storing or transferring, take care to protect the canvas surfaces from becoming dinged or dented. If though, your canvas painting does get slightly stretched or dented in an area, sometimes spraying water on the back side ( the unpainted side) of the canvas can shrink the stretch/dent. It depends on how severe the indentation is. If unsure about doing this yourself, have a professional do it. 

When handling your painting, please avoid touching or handling the surface of the painting. Your skins’ oils contain acids and can damage the artwork with prolonged handling.  To hold and move your painting, please handle it by the sides.  You can also handle it by the wire that is attached to the back. To be extra cautious, you may wear gloves to handle your painting.

It is not advisable to place the artwork above a heat source such as fireplaces, radiators etc. In addition to the damage caused by radiating heat, dirt that rises with the heat may cause damage. It is unadvisable to hang artworks in a moist environment such as a room which has a bath or shower. Rapid environmental fluctuations will be harmful to the painting.

Ultraviolet light should be kept away from the artworks as fugitive dyes and colorants used in paints will eventually discolour under exposure to this type of light. The fading of pigments and dyes will affect the colour balance of the artwork.

Do not ever attempt to clean the surface by using solvents or cleaning products of any kind. Cleaning liquids may actually embed the dirt into the painting and cause permanent liquid lines over the surface. In fact, it is discouraged to use any liquid, including water, to clean the surface of your acrylic painting.

Do’s

Do use compressed air in a can to blow away surface dust or use a delicate brush to gently remove surface dirt from your artwork. Be careful not to bump or scratch the painting. If the paint is damaged in any way, avoid dusting altogether.

The best type of light for your painting is indirect sunlight, recessed lighting, and halogen lights (not ultraviolet).

Do seek out professional services if you find, after years of display, that cleaning with compressed air or a soft brush do not remove the dirt. Seek out professional services appropriate for the piece. Consider an experienced art conservator who will know the correct method due to their extensive training and experience. The risk of damage to the painting will be much less if it is cleaned by a reputable professional in the field of fine art conservation.

With proper care, you can keep your paintings alive and living for generations.  Please enjoy your painting!

Fine Art Prints

Handling Your Giclée Print

Prints on paper are fragile and can be easily damaged by incorrect handling, often without the person doing the damage being aware of what they are doing!

Always open your print gently, with freshly cleaned and dry hands. Try to avoid touching the printed surface with bare fingers (as oil and debris can transfer from your hands onto the print). It’s probably unlikely, but if you happen to own any white cotton gloves, they are perfect for the job, however if not, freshly clean hands will be fine.

Take special care whenever handling all - but especially - large prints. The best way to carry such prints is to grasp the top left and top right corner of the print and hold it straight in front of you with your arms extended, so that it is parallel to your body. Face the front of the print towards your body, so that nothing can scratch the printed surface while you move. Holding or moving a print incorrectly or with one hand can cause a kink/crease in the paper which will be permanent.

Keep your new giclée print covered in the acid free tissue paper that it was rolled and posted in (or acid free protective sleeve for smaller prints) until it is framed to avoid any damage.

Frame behind glass for longevity and display in a room free from moisture.

Flattening Your Rolled-Up Giclée Print

Find a surface that is flat, smooth and hard (dining table, desk etc.) Unpack your rolled up print/s carefully - there will be a thick paper wrapped around and taped up on the outside of your print, with the acid free tissue paper then covering the front surface of it. Take care when removing the tape (if with a sharp object) not to touch either side of your print, and keep your print covered by the protective acid free tissue paper.

Lay your print out, image side up on a flat surface, and with the tissue paper still covering the print’s image, place some flat, smooth and heavy objects around the edges and the middle of the print - books are perfect for this! Let your print/s flatten overnight (leave for longer if not sufficiently flat).

Don’t attempt to use an iron, steam etc to try and flatten your print, as this will damage it.

Cleaning Your Print

We recommend using a clean, dry, soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe dust off your print.

Don’t try to clean your giclée print with a damp cloth, water or any solvents.

As said above, we recommend framing your print behind glass for longevity and displaying in a room free from moisture.

When treated with care, your giclée print is guaranteed to last you a lifetime!